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Hadrians Villa

Hi folks. Had some great help from this forum. Almost planned my whole trip from here. Can someone tell me if Hadrian's Villa in Rome is worth a visit also, is it possible to get from there to a place called D'Este(I think) by train. Remember the 11 year old grand-daughter is with us. Cheers Pawsha

I took a train to Tivoli, about 45 mins from Rome, visited the wonderful Villa d'Este's fantastic Water Gardens, then hopped a bus to Hadrian's Villa, a few miles out of Tivoli towards Rome, then from there a bus back to a Rome metro station.

I think Hadrian's Villa is one of the finest archaeological sites i've ever seen. Grandkid may like more the Water Gardens, of fantastic statues and fountains all working, unless affected by drought, not unusual in summer i guess. Buses are probably a better bet from Rome to Tivoli and Este, with a stop at Hadrian's Villa en route.

To me one of the finest day trips from Rome - but 11 year old will it be too much? donnow.

We also have wonderful memories of the day we went out to see Villa d'Este and Hadrians Villa. We didn't have children with us but I certainly would take an 11 year old with me. As Bob has already mentioned, Villa d'Este will probably appeal more, but so long as you don't intend to spend hours and hours at Hadrian's Villa I don't think she would get too bored. Can't comment on the transport situation as we had our own car.

Pawsha: Yes, it is certainly worth a day-trip if you have the time. Echoing PalenqueBob's itinerary, I did the exact same thing (train to Tivoli, then bus to Hadrian's Villa). I went with my then 4 year old who loved both places. She is now 6 and would love it still. I don't think an 11 year old would be an exception. Bear in mind, Hadrian's Villa is considerably more spread out and more walking, so maybe you would want to do that first or? Buon viaggio!

Yes, Hadrian's Villa is in a dusty area with very little around it, whilst Tivoli is a rather delightful sizeable town. In addition to the Villa d'Este, near the villa and the source of its water i believe is an ancient Roman aqueduct or tunnel worth ferreting out - it's right in the town centre not far from the villa.

Hadrians Villa was spectacular. A feat of great and advanced architecture beyond its time and more of an entire little palace and town than just a villa. The extent to which t his incredibly wealthy man built up this place: complete with amphitheatre and all sorts of other marvels was fascinating and was a gorgeous day spent walking around for me with a for group of college students. If it could keep our rapt attention and a place in our memories, it had to be pretty awe inspiring